Probably the media are to blame, for taking up a few marketable clever-clogs such as Mr Dawkins, then encouraging them to comment on everything.

ECONOMIST: Bagehot

But when my birthday arrived, there was nothing more than a couple messages from those two friends everyone has who always comment on everything anyone posts.

FORBES: Facebook Has Ruined Birthdays

Unlike previous embedded YouTube players, which simply streamed videos, these new tools would allow users on other sites to search the YouTube inventory, comment on and rate videos, and even upload clips to YouTube's servers--essentially everything that users would have done on YouTube's site.

FORBES: Yes, You Too Can YouTube